To make the shawl pictured on page 67, our knitter, Patricia Bearden, chose an Old Shale stitch pattern. She also used a simple seed stitch border, which doesn’t show in the photo, to give the shawl a subtle edge at the sides.

She used 9 skeins of Kersti Merino Crepe by Koigu Wool Designs 100-percent Merino wool yarn and size 9 circular needles for a shawl that measures approximately 21 inches by 70 inches.

This is a project for experienced knitters:

Old Shale pattern repeats as a multiple of 18 stitches plus 1. To create a shawl like the one Bearden made, using a similar weight yarn and needle size, cast on 299 stitches: that’s 16 sets of 18 stitches (or 288 stitches); plus 1 stitch; plus 10 stitches (for a border of 5 stitches each edge), which you will knit in seed stitch.

To use the yarn and needle size of your choice, create a 19-stitch swatch to gauge size. Use gauge to determine how many multiples of 18 stitches you will need for the desired shawl length.

Cast on 5 stitches, place a marker, then cast on your multiple of 18 plus 1, place another marker and cast on 5 more.

Repeat Rows 2-5 (the Old Shale pattern) as many times as you like to get the desired shawl width. (For the pictured shawl, Bearden repeated the pattern 14 times until the shawl measured about 14 inches.)

Pour the chai mix into a clean jar and the black tea in another jar. Tie a
note around them with the following instructions:

To make an herbal chai you can sip all day, follow step 1 below, strain, and
add extra hot water as necessary. For a rich and heavenly pick-me-up, follow
steps 2, 3, and 4 to add the milk (dairy or non), black tea, and sweetener.

1. Bring the chai mix, water, and ginger to a boil.
2. Lower heat, add milk, and cook until it reaches a low boil. Stir
continuously so as not to scorch it.
3. Add black tea and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Strain and sweeten to taste.

Cut a rectangle from your fabric. The length will be the length of your yoga mat plus 4 5/8 inches, and the width will be the circumference of your mat plus 11/4 inches. For example: If your rolled-up mat is 21 inches in length and has a circumference of 20 inches, the rectangle needs to be 25 and 5/8 inches long and 21 and one quarter inches wide.

For the bottom of the yoga mat bag, cut a circle that is the circumference of your mat plus 1 and one fourth inches. For example: If your mat’s circumference is 20 inches, cut a circle that is 21 and one quarter inches in circumference.

Cut a strap that is the same length as your yoga mat, which in our example is 21 inches.

Make a tube

Pin the ends of the strap to the right side of the rectangle at points E and F (see diagram), about 3 inches from the top and bottom of the rectangle.

With the wrong side of the fabric facing out, sew edges A and B together with a 5/8-inch seam to form a tube. The strap will be inside the tube.

Stop sewing 2 inches from the top edge (C).

Create an opening for the drawstring

Turn the top edge (C) of the tube under 1 inch, then stitch 5/8 inch from the fold to create a channel for the drawstring.

Attach the bottom fabric to the tube

Pin the circle to the bottom edge (D) of the tube (right side to right side) and stitch together with a 5/8-inch seam.

Insert drawstring

Turn tube right side out. Thread the drawstring through the channel. Tie the ends of the drawstring to close bag, or secure ties with a toggle.

When selecting the filling consider the recipient’s scent preferences and any potential allergies. Mix together three or all of the above items. You’ll need 1 1/2 cups total.

Make the Pillow

Cut the fabric

Using a ruler and pencil, mark two 4 1/2-by-10-inch rectangles on the wrong (nonprinted) side of the fabric. With a pair of scissors, cut along the marks to create the two panels needed for the pillow.

Sew the seams

Place the two panels’ right (printed) sides together, with the raw edges aligned. Stitch a 1/2-inch seam around the raw edges, backstitching (sewing first in reverse, then forward over the same stitches) at each end. Leave one of the 4-inch sides open, so you can later add the filling. Stitch a 3/8-inch reinforcement seam around the raw edges, leaving the same 4-inch opening. This reinforcement will ensure that the mixture doesn’t leak out of the pillow after you’ve filled it.

With your scissors, cut two 1/4-inch notches in each seam allowance (the area between the stitching and the raw, cut edge of the fabric), one on either side of each of the four corners, making sure not to clip the stitching. Turn the eye pillow right side out for the next step.

Fill the pillow

Spoon 1 1/2 cups of filling into the pillow’s open seam.

Close the final seam

Fold each side of the remaining 4-inch seam 1/2 inch toward the inside of the pillow, and pin the opening closed. Either by hand or with a sewing machine, stitch a seam across the folded edges to close the 4-inch opening, then try out the pillow before wrapping it up: Lie down, put it over your eyes, and treat yourself to 5 minutes of deep relaxation.

Peppermint Oil is a well-known energizer, and when combined with aloe and witch hazel, it makes for an elixir that will instantly wake up and slow or tired muscles. This light, nongreasy recipe makes a great gift for an active friend.

Combine the aloe vera, witch hazel, and cornstarch on the stovetop in a double boiler. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes. Stir until all of the ingredients are well mixed, and then allow the mixture to cool.

Add the peppermint oil and stir thoroughly. Pour into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid. Store in a cool, dry, dark place, where it will keep for 3 to 4 weeks.

To use, massage gel into sore muscles for an instant cooling sensation.